A foundation of sustainability supports a curriculum designed to help students become global citizens in several key ways. It equips students with the awareness, skills, and values necessary to contribute to a more sustainable and just world, fostering a sense of global responsibility and interconnectedness.
A large majority of schools in the Global South lack sufficient textbooks...
Simply put - a large majority of schools in the Global South lack sufficient textbooks, which represents a critical challenge but also a tremendous opportunity for transformative change through blended learning. Implementing this model can effectively bridge the gap between the scarcity of physical educational resources and the growing availability of digital solutions. Here’s how this could be achieved:
Revisiting Our Mission: A Call for Self-Reflection and Action in EdTech
The global EdTech industry is replete with mission statements promising to make the world a better place through education. Yet, the reality often starkly contrasts with these lofty ideals. The industry predominantly serves the wealthiest 1% of schools, driven by profit motives that neglect the vast majority of the global student population. This article calls for a deep reflection on our mission and vision, urging EdTech companies to realign their actions to serve a broader and more inclusive audience. Using Urban Green Education as the central provider, with Lincoln Learning Solutions and Agilix Labs as partners, we explore how a mission-driven approach can create lasting and impactful change.
What If We Cared About the 99% of Schools in the Global South?
99% of the global #EdTech industry exists to serve only the rich schools or 1% of the global market. Many people in this industry make very comfortable salaries (you may be one of them) and the investors do quite well... but, what if? What if we tried to do just a bit better? Imagine the good we could do...
Imagine a world where every child, regardless of where they were born, had access to the same high-quality education. A world where economic birthright did not determine one's educational opportunities, and where the riches of knowledge and resources were shared equitably across the globe. What if we truly cared about the 99% of schools in the Global South that are currently excluded from participating in the modern educational world due to poverty? Here's how much better our world could be if we embraced this inclusive vision.
Problems with Standardized Testing in the International Market
In the landscape of global education, standardized testing has often been heralded as the benchmark for excellence. Yet, this metric, especially prevalent in the educational systems of the Global South, is increasingly criticized for its limitations and commercial exploitation. Rather than equating high test scores with genuine learning, there's a growing realization that this approach might actually detract from educational quality. This article delves into the profound issues associated with standardized testing, critiques the involvement of big educational companies, and offers hopeful solutions to reshape the future of international education.
How to GREEN your science classes...
By incorporating these aspects of sustainability into science education, students can develop a deeper understanding of the scientific principles governing our environment and gain the skills necessary to contribute to sustainable solutions. This approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and a sense of responsibility towards the planet.
The power of sister schools...
How would you feel if a less qualified coworker made five times your salary? The Case for Empowering Local Teachers Over Expatriates
In the global landscape of education, significant disparities often exist between the compensation and resources allocated to expatriate teachers compared to their local counterparts. This financial imbalance not only carries substantial opportunity costs but also raises serious moral questions and issues of personal humiliation for local educators. These disparities need urgent reassessment to foster a fairer, more effective, and dignified educational system.
The Human Side of EdTech: Ethics, Kindness, and Mission-Driven Impact
In the vast, profit-driven landscape of the global EdTech industry, the human side of education technology is often overshadowed by the pursuit of financial gain. However, companies that prioritize ethical behavior, kindness, and a mission-driven approach are more likely to evoke true change in education. This article explores the power of these principles, emphasizing the importance of believing in teachers and truly serving students. Lincoln Learning Solutions exemplifies these values, demonstrating that being a true partner in education can lead to meaningful and lasting impact.
How to GREEN your social science classes...
By weaving sustainability into social science education, students can develop a nuanced understanding of how different aspects of society interact with and impact the environment. This interdisciplinary approach equips students with the analytical skills necessary to address complex real-world problems and fosters a sense of responsibility and empowerment to make a difference.
How to GREEN your mathematics classes...
Integrating sustainability into a high school mathematics curriculum can greatly enrich the educational experience, making abstract math concepts more relevant and engaging through real-world applications. Here are some ways to effectively incorporate sustainability topics into high school math classes:
Every school should GO GREEN...
To the EXPAT TEACHER! - "don't forget - your students will live in THEIR country not yours"
Educators must immerse themselves in the local culture, traditions, and social norms. This understanding helps in delivering lessons that are relevant and respectful of the students' background. Avoid Imposing Values: Instead of imposing their own cultural values, teachers should appreciate and integrate the local values into their teaching methods.
The inclusion of a rich study of local history and literature in the curriculum of countries that have experienced colonialism holds profound importance...
Colonialism often sought to suppress and marginalize indigenous cultures and literature, replacing them with those of the colonizers. By emphasizing the rich literary history of these nations, educators can help reclaim and celebrate the unique cultural identities that were threatened. This process of rediscovery and reaffirmation aids in preserving languages, traditions, and stories that form the bedrock of a society’s heritage.
It's great that you work with rich kids at a rich school in a former colonial country...
How to GREEN your English classes...
By incorporating sustainability into literature and composition classes, educators can foster empathy, critical thinking, and a deepened appreciation for both the environment and the power of literature to reflect and influence societal values. This approach not only enriches students’ academic experience but also empowers them to become more thoughtful and informed citizens.
Reimagining EdTech: Questioning White Savior Complex, Colonial Legacy and Bloated Zero-Value-Added Salaries, and Finally Empowering Local Teachers
The international EdTech industry is replete with mission statements promising to make the world a better place through education. Yet, the reality often starkly contrasts with these lofty ideals. The industry predominantly serves the wealthiest 1% of schools, driven by profit motives that neglect the vast majority of students, particularly those in the Global South. At Urban Green Education (UGE), we believe it is time for a paradigm shift. By investing in local teachers and providing them with the necessary tools, we can create a more equitable and effective global education system. This article explores how UGE, in partnership with Lincoln Learning Solutions and Agilix Labs, is leading this change and how the EdTech industry can realign its actions with its mission to serve all students.
We can (and must) do better...
Giving wealthy students at wealthy international schools even more modern advantages does little to serve the common good of the world. Instead, it perpetuates and expands a market that primarily enriches education and #EdTech companies in the West. This market-driven approach to education often prioritizes profit over genuine learning and equity, creating a cycle where resources are continuously funneled towards those who already have access to ample educational opportunities.
Imagine a high school class about taking care, giving care and our environment...
Imagine incorporating a course titled "The Power of Taking Care and Giving Care" into the curriculum could indeed foster a profound impact on students' understanding and practice of care in various dimensions—personal, social, and environmental. Here’s a detailed outline of how such a class could be structured and what it might encompass:
